Beaver Dam man found guilty in shaken baby case

Staff WriterNovember 21, 2018

JUNEAU -- Raymond D. Keyser, 24 of Beaver Dam, was found guilty of physical abuse of a child -- recklessly cause great bodily harm, by a Dodge County jury Friday.

While in Keyser’s care, the 8-month-old girl suffered grave injuries to her brain, eyes and neck consistent with being violently shaken. Keyser told authorities that the child had fallen off a two-foot-high bed on to a carpeted floor. Medical experts on the issue of child abuse determined that the child had been violently shook or repeatedly slammed against a surface. The child suffered permanent brain damage and disability.

During the three-day trial, the jury heard medical testimony regarding the severe extent of the injuries sustained by the child. The child’s mother recounted how the child has continuing physical and cognitive problems.

Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg told the jury that this was a very difficult case in part because no one witnessed what actually happened to the child while in Keyser’s care.

Klomberg also pointed out that the case was especially hard because good people, like those on the jury, find it inconceivable that someone could be so violent with such a young child.

After the verdict, Klomberg said, “I am deeply grateful for the work of all the members of my team who helped find justice for this innocent child.”

Keyser faces up to 15 years in prison and $50,000 in fines. The sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2019.